A bit of background…

Designated by the Dept. of Commerce as the lead economic development organization for a particular region (typically by county)

Receive some state funding; under contract for key deliverables

RECRUIT, RETAIN, EXPAND

Associate Development Organizations (ADOs)

Nonprofit organization, founded in 1982 ADO for Thurston County Public funding from state, county, cities, Port of

Olympia, federal grants and contracts Private funding from “investors,” event sponsors,

event and training registrations, donations

Thurston Economic Development Council

1992

2015

1982 501(c)(4) “social welfare organization”

501(c)(3) “charitable, religious, education, scientific, or literary organization”

Name changed from BRC

A catalyst for creating and growing high wage, high value private sector companies Advancing regional innovation and prosperity

Center for Business & Innovation

Center for Business & Innovation

LACEY*VETERANS

No-cost business advising focused on established businesses

Goal to build management strength for business growth Particular strength in finance

• Loan packaging • Financial analysis • “Profit Mastery” training

SBA-designated Women’s Business Center Provide women with tools and connections to

accelerate the success of their business Individualized coaching and mentoring programs

for start-up to growing businesses Trainings every month on a wide variety of topics Statewide program (34 of 39 WA counties)

Volunteer retired business professionals with a variety of backgrounds

Provide free advising, mentoring and low-cost training Work primarily with prospective and early stage

businesses

Help businesses find, bid on, and win government contracts

Governments at all levels: federal, state, local No-cost advising, proposal review and training Help with registrations and certifications for set-asides Statewide program, led from the CB&I

SBA-funded training program for business owners who are highly motivated to grow their businesses

CB&I contracted to offer 2 cohorts per year for 5 years No cost to eligible businesses Eligibility:

• 2+ years in business • Annual revenues of $150,000-$500,000

A variety of additional activities • Boots to Business • Camo 2 Commerce • VBOC workshops • Lacey Veterans Microenterprise Program

Veteran Programming

LACEY*VETERANS

Various classes through Corporate and Continuing Education Department • Leadership *Software programs • QuickBooks *Human Resource Management

Entrepreneurship Certificate Art Entrepreneur Program Workforce training Internships

Beyond the programs Special programming, such as the “Innovation

Partnership Zone” Assess what’s missing and fill the gaps

• Export assistance • Business financing when not yet bankable • Programming to attract tech entrepreneurs • Outreach to underserved populations • Outreach to small and rural communities • ?

Connect businesses to services to foster business success • Strengthen referral relationships • Build systems to automate • ?

Partner with SBL team

Thank you!